No. 18

WASHINGTON, DC — AHI Foundation President Constantine Galanis served as one of several Grand Marshals at the Tarpon Springs, Fla., Greek Independence Day parade held March 18, 2018.  AHI President Nick Larigakis participated as an Honored Guest of the parade committee.     

“It was an honor for AHI to be recognized in this esteemed manner by the organizers of the Tarpon Springs Greek Independence Day Parade,” Larigakis said.  “We enjoyed celebrating the 197th anniversary of Greek Independence with the historic community of Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.  We commend the organizers and thank everyone who attended and participated.”

In his remarks to the audience, Larigakis reminded the community that its work is not done as long as Turkey continues its aggression in the Aegean Sea, its occupation of the Republic of Cyprus, and its suppression of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s religious freedom. He added all of these acts are in violation of international and U.S. law, and because of the latter, the community must reach out to their members of Congress to advocate on these issues.

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to participate in the Greek Independence Day Parade in Tarpon Springs,” Galanis said. “The sea of Greek flags on both sides of the streets held by the people was inspiring and made my conviction even stronger to continue to participate and support all activities that support and promote Hellenism throughout the United States.  Greece and Cyprus need our support during these days and our struggle will not cease until Greece is no longer threatened by its neighbors and until Cyprus is freed.”

While in Tarpon Springs, Rear Admiral Ioannis Paxivanakis, deputy chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, presented President Larigakis and President Galanis with an honorary plaque at the annual Greek Independence Day dinner.

Finally, we would like to congratulate long time AHI member George Mermelas, Public Relations Chairman of the Parade Committee, who was responsible for helping to organization, once again, this year’s highly successful Greek Independence Parade in Tarpon Springs, Florida.